The eighth annual running of the Rebelle Rally is taking place this week, and Hyundai has unveiled a custom Santa Cruz designed for navigator Jill Ciminillo and driver Kristin Shaw.
The two automotive journalists will compete in the all-women navigation and off-road challenge. The 1,500-mile (2,414 km) rally starts and ends in the deserts of California, and runs over the course of eight days.
Ciminillo and Shaw return to the wheel of a Santa Cruz for the second year in a row, and call themselves the “Brute Squad,” while they call their new truck “Sandy.” The truck features a custom wrap created by Matt Marble, Hyundai senior graphic designer, and Kellen Gustine, junior exterior designer, and inspired by the rugged landscape of the Rebelle Rally.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Gains Rugged XRT Trim, While Tucson N Line Goes Hybrid
“As an artist, I’m excited to present the new livery scheme design of the Rebelle Rally Hyundai Santa Cruz,” said Marble. “We were inspired by the natural ruggedness of the desert and worked to capture its beauty along with the adventurous nature of mountain journeys in every hue and line of our design.”
Meanwhile, the Brute Squad will benefit from some off-road modifications, such as Falken Wildpeak A/T3W off-road tires, a Rally Innovations front recovery mount with auxiliary lighting, a custom front bumper and skid plate, a roof-mounted light bar, and a Truxxx lift kit that raises the front end by 1.5 inches, and the rear by 1 inch.
In addition, the Santa Cruz also has a full-size spare, a pair of shovels, and a Terratrip rally computer. However, the crew will not be able to use the truck’s satellite navigation system, which, per regulations, has been disconnected. As a result, the team will have to navigate using just paper maps and a compass.
“Kristin and I are looking forward to our second year in the Hyundai Santa Cruz,” said Ciminillo. “We know there are seven 10-hour days ahead of us and we’re lucky to be in our Hyundai Santa Cruz, which has some of the most comfortable seats for long-distance drives. That, combined with the carefully curated modifications to our dear Sandy means we’re extra prepared for what’s to come this year.”
The green flag drops on Friday, October 13, and the Brute Squad will compete in the X-CROSS class.
